Thousands rock to Jake Owen, Tom Cochrane, Tim Hicks at Lucknow's Music in the Fields

Lucknow's Music in the Fields drew close to 6,000 people, and all the campsites were sold-out for the ninth annual three-day country music festival, Aug. 24-26.

Held for the first time on the "Graceland" property, located at the northeast corner of Lucknow, the new venue was well-received with many positive comments, said co-chairman Rick McMurray of the Lucknow Kinsmen Club which organizes the event.

"Next year is our 10th anniversary and plans are already under way," said McMurray. "2018 is a big year for Lucknow, as it is also the 160th reunion."

He said local support for this event is always amazing, both in attendance and the volunteers who help out. "We have lots of things to focus on for improvement, and we will concentrate on those as we put Year 10 together."

The festival was a great success as sunshine and a top-notch line-up had the crowd rocking all weekend.

The headliners were fabulous, with Canadian country star Tim Hicks setting the pace Friday night, and American country star Jake Owen and Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane with Red Rider blowing the doors off Saturday night.

Joining Hicks, were Cold Creek County, and Genevieve Fisher; while, taking the stage before Cochrane and Owen Saturday, were the Washboard Union, River Town Saints, and Alee.

Cold Creek County is a crowd favourite, and the River Town Saints and Washboard Union quickly became just as popular.

Providing entertainment on the side stage, were Johnson Crook, Friday night; and Alessia Cohle and Josh Ross, Saturday night.

The new venue is a definite improvement over the soccer fields and the far-flung campsites. Everything is now located on one property, with the main stage and side stage the central focus, vendors on either side, and the campsites surrounding that.

Walking up and down the rows of campers and trailers made you feel as if you were at the International Plowing Match. However, there needs to be a more central parking lot for those not planning to stay for the entire weekend.